LAGOS, NIGERIA — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a string of major seizures and arrests, disrupting multiple drug trafficking networks across Nigeria.
On July 7, 2025, NDLEA operatives at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos intercepted 23 parcels of Loud (a potent cannabis strain) weighing 11.3kg. The drugs were concealed in microwaves shipped from Thailand via Ethiopian Airlines. Ezenwegbu Chike was arrested in connection with the seizure.
A few days later, NDLEA agents at the Lagos export shed uncovered another shipment—cocaine hidden in ladies’ lipsticks, packaged alongside hair accessories and cosmetics. The consignment, destined for Malabo, Guinea, yielded 400g of cocaine and phenacetine. Ezeikwelume Prince Afam, a trader at Lagos’ Trade Fair Complex, was arrested.
Also captured was Okechukwu Izugha, alias Okey Omeogo, a notorious drug kingpin who had been evading capture for 12 months. He was arrested on July 9 at his wife’s shop in Ijesha market. Izugha first came under investigation in August 2024, after 9kg of cocaine was seized from an accomplice. His wife, Maureen Izugha, was convicted earlier this year for drug possession.
Meanwhile, in Edo State, NDLEA officers destroyed 28,054kg of cannabis growing across 11 hectares in Owan West and recovered 82kg of processed weed. Armed traffickers attacked the operatives, but they repelled the assault, although one NDLEA vehicle was riddled with bullets.
In Lagos, agents recovered 700kg of Ghana Loud and a stolen Ford truck near Okun Ajah Beach, arresting Innocent Ejidiobo and Friday Paul, who were also found with meth and Molly.
Additional arrests include:
Borno State: Godwin Chimaobi Nwaobi caught with tramadol, rohypnol, and 18,759 ampoules of pentazocine.
Gombe State: Seizure of 116,226 pills of tramadol and D5 from five suspects.
Kogi State: Sabiu Bala nabbed with 316.6kg of skunk.
Kaduna State: Haladu Suleiman caught with 58.8kg of skunk.
Taraba State: Three men arrested with 577,890 pills of opioids and 1.16kg of skunk concealed in a fuel tanker.
Kano State: NDLEA apprehended three suspects with 48.1kg of cannabis.
In addition to enforcement, NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign continues with sensitization in schools across Cross River, Kano, Enugu, Lagos, Anambra, and Abia states.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the dedication of officers nationwide, praising their efforts in balancing enforcement with public education.
